What is the term for the process of hearing?

The process of hearing is termed audition. This term specifically refers to the ability to perceive sound, which involves the detection of sound waves by the ear and the subsequent interpretation of these signals by the brain. Audition encompasses several physiological mechanisms, including the vibration of the eardrum, the movement of the ossicles in the middle ear, and the stimulation of hair cells within the cochlea of the inner ear, which ultimately transmits auditory information to the brain for processing.

The other terms listed refer to different sensory processes. Olfaction pertains to the sense of smell, vision relates to the sense of sight, and equilibrium refers to the body's ability to maintain balance and posture. Each of these processes involves distinct sensory organs and neural pathways, highlighting the specialized nature of our sensory systems.